Clips



June 11, 1957 E. F. ZORE 2,795,233

CLIPS Filed March 2'7, 1956 IN V EN TOR.

A 7 TOR/V5 5451' United States Patent CLIPS Edward F. Zore, Brookfield, Wis. Application March 27, 1956, Serial No. 574,261 14 Claims. (Cl. 132-48) This invention relates to improvements in clips of a type which are suitable for a variety of purposes, but which are particularly useful in the holding of pin curls, or as holders for neckties or the like.

The majority of pin curl clips now on the market comprise opposed levers having holding portions which are normally spring-urged into closing position. Many of these pin curl clips are formed of two pieces of metal and all of them are relatively complicated in structure, making it difiicult to market them for a relatively small price. The conventional pin curl clip must be gripped near an extreme end and squeezed to hold it open while it is being inserted. Thus proper handling of the clip, while simultaneously manipulating the hair, is relatively difficult.

In addition, the conventional type of pin curl clip, because of its lever action, is relatively bulky and formed with parts which project conspicuously from the head, these parts also rendering the clips uncomfortable to sleep on. In addition, hair nets are frequently worn over a hairset and it is difficult to remove a net without having it catch into the projecting ends of conventional clips.

With the majority of conventional hair clips the opposing levers have prongs which are directly opposite each other thus squeezing the hair therebetween and locking the moisture in. This slows the hair-drying process.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a relatively inexpensive one-piece item having no substantial projections, which item is shaped, when in closed condition, to fit the curvature of the head.

A further object of the invention is to provide a clip which stays open automatically until it is ready to be used. Thus, it can be gripped at any convenient point while it is being inserted in place.

A further object of the invention is to provide a clip which is neat in appearance, simple to operate, and which does not get out of order. I

A further object of the invention is to provide a clip construction which can be readily adapted for use .as a tie clip.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing a clip having a snap action.

Other specific objects of the invention are to provide a clip which is comfortable to wear, particularly when sleeping, which has no substantial projections to catch into hair nets, which can be worn inconspicuously, which has no directly opposed prongs to retard the drying of hair, and which is adapted to grip tightly.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists of the improved clip, and its method of manufacture, and all of its parts and combinations, as set forth in the claims, and all equivalents thereof.

- In the accompanying drawing, illustrating several embodiments of the invention, in which the same reference numerals designate the same parts in all of the views:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a type of clip which is 2,795,233 Patented June 11, 1957 .being shown in closed position gripping a lock of hair;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the clip of Fig. 1 in open position;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a cut metal blank for forming the clip of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view at the outer end of a blank showing a modification;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the method of holding the outer legs together in a clip made from the type of blank shown in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an end holding cap used with an alternative form of the invention;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modification showing how the outer ends of the outer legs of a clip of the type of Figs. 1 and 2 may be locked together by the cap of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view showing another modification, wherein the outer ends of the outer legs are tied together by still another method, through the use of integral interlocking tongues;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 showing the same type of clip with a transverse corrugation on the center prong;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a clip similar to that shown in Fig. 1, wherein there are transverse corrugations on the two outer prongs;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing. another modified form of clip in open position;

Fig. 12 is a plan view of a tie clip adaptation wherein an ornamental plate is secured to the center prong of a clip of the type of Fig. 10; and

Fig. 13 is an edge view of the tie clip of Fig. 12 showing it in open position.

Referring first to Figs. 1-3 inclusive, these views illustrate a clip which is particularly designed as a pin curl clip. It is understood, however, that this clip may be used for other holding purposes. The blank of Fig. 3 is preferably a metal stamping from high carbon sheet steel of average quality,'or stainless steel. The blank of Fig. 3 includes an end strip portion 20 having a pair of outer legs 21 projecting therefrom, as well as a center leg 22, there'being spaces 23 between the edges of the center leg and the adjacent edges of the outer legs. The center leg is preferably shorter than the outer legs as illustrated in Fig. 3 and preferably pointed at its outer end as at 24.

Any suitable means may be employed for tying the outer ends of the outer legs together to produce the novel and unusual effect of the present invention. In the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1-3 inclusive, the outer edges of the outer legs 21, near their outer ends, are notched as at 25 and a wire staple 26 is bent around the ends and engaged in the notches 25 to hold the outer legs together as in Figs. 1 and 2. The drawing of the ends together actually twists the legs slightly, resistance being provided by the solid connecting strip 20 which bows slightly in a direction transversely of the length of the clip. The twisting action caused by drawing the outer ends of the outer legs 21 together causes the legs to flex to a concave-convex condition, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. When the outer legs are in the condition of Fig. 2, the outer ends of outer legs 21 are separated substantially from the outer end of the center prong 22 so that the clip is in open condition. By snapping the bowed legs 21 of Fig. 2 to the reverse concave-convex condition of Fig. l, the outer ends are caused to snap into firm en gagement with the outer end of the center leg 22 as shown in Fig. 1, so that any article which has been slipped within the open clip of Fig. 2 is tightly gripped in the position of Fig. 1, as is indicated by the lock of hair 27.

To open the clip and release the lock of hair it is merely necessary to snap the outer legs 21 to the reverse concavoconvex condition of Fig. 2, whichis the open positions The flexing action of the clip can be controlled by the,

gauge of the metal used. Thethinner the material in relation to the width of the legs, the greater the bowing action; however, the material must be sufficiently thick so that it will hold firmly in closed position.

It is: believed that the reason for the novel action is that the drawing of the outer ends of the legs 21 together tends to stretch the: outer edges of the outer legs and to contract the inner edges. This counteraction causes the legs to twist. Inasmuch as the legs are firmly. attached at their ends to the integral strip 20, the twisting will cause the concave-convex action. In order to be most effective, both outer legs should be of substantially the same width in order to counteract each othenequally. It

is to be noted that thebowing takes place the entire length of the clip.

Various other methods of tying the outer ends of the legs 21 together may be employed and a few of these other methods have been illustrated. In the form of the invention of Fig. 4,the outer ends of the legs 21 are left connected in the stamping by a bridging piece 28. I Then by crimping the bridging piece as shown in Fig. 5, the ends are drawn and held together.

Fig. 6 illustrates a hollow cap 29 having tabs 30 which are originally unbent. A cap of this type may he slipped over the ends of the prongs 21, and the tabs then bent into the notches 25 as shown in Fig. 7.

In the form of the invention of Fig. 8, the outer ends of the outer legs 21 are formed with integral tongues 31 j and 32 which are bent and interlocked under mechanical pressure, as shown in Fig. 8, thereby forming a substitute for the metal staple .26 of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 9 illustrates a clip which is the same as the clip of Fig. 1, except that the center leg 22 is provided with a transverse corrugation 33. This corrugationmay be used where it is desired to obtain improved holding qualities for certain purposes.

The form of the invention of Fig. 10 is the same as Fig.

1, except that the outer legs are formed withtransverse corrugations 34 which are designed to improve the gripping action.

In the form of the invention of Fig. 11, the outer legs 21 are left connected at the outer end as at 35 and the bowing actionis effected by drawing intermediate portions of the outer legs 21, together by a metal band or other tie piece 36. This arrangement also brings about a concave-convex snap action for the outer legs so that they can be snapped toward or away from the center leg 22'.

In the form of the invention of Figs. 12 and l3ja tie clip or other ornamental holding clip has been provided by soldering or otherwise securing'an ornamental plate 37 to the center leg 22. For tie clip purposes it is preferred to use the form of clip of. Fig. 10, having the transverse corrugations 34 for better gripping action. Fig. 13 shows the tie clip. in openposition, and it is apparent that the necktie and shirt edge are inserted between the outer legs and the plate-carrying center leg 22. Then, by snapping the outer. legs 21 to the reverse concavo-convex condition, the tie is. clipped firmly to the shirt. For a tie clip it is preferred to use material of heavier gauge than that which.

4 blank of Fig. 3. When plastic is used, the blanks will, of course, be suitably molded;

It is apparent that the stay-open feature of the present invention is a great convenience in use. A woman can open all of the clipsto the position of Fig. 2 before setting her hair. Then, when she picks them up they are all convenient for insertion, and it is unnecessary during insertion to be constantly squeezing levers to an open position against the tension of a spring as is the case with conventional pin curl clips.

It is apparent from Fig. 1 that the clip in closed position will substantially fit the curvature of the head throughout the length of the clip. Thus, the clips may be worn inconspicuously. In addition, they are more comfortable to sleep on and present no substantial projections to catch into hair nets, pillow cases and the like.

it is also to be noted that when the clip is in the closed position of Fig. I, there is only a very minor overlap between the outer ends of the outer legs and the outer end of the center leg. Thus, very little hair is confined between opposing prongs to retard the drying process.

In view of the fact that the clip is of one-piece construction, it is much lighter to wear and can be manufactured more economically than pin curl clips now on the market.

Various changes and modifications may be made with out departing from the spirit of the invention, and all of such changes are contemplated as may come within the scope of the claims.

What I claim is:

1. A clip comprising a piece of flexible sheet material having a connection strip at one end, spaced-apart flat outer legs projecting in the same general direction from said connecting strip and rigid therewith, a center leg projecting from said connection strip between the. outer legs and in the same general direction, and means connecting portions of the outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with said portions maintained closer together than the other portions of said outer legs whereby said outer legs assume a concave-convex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concave-convex condition to bring the outer portions of the outer legs alternatively toward or away from the outer portion of said center leg.

2. A clip comprising a piece of flexible sheet material having a connection strip at one end, spaced-apart flat outer legs projecting in the same general direction from said connecting strip and rigid therewith, a center leg projecting from said connection strip between the outer legs and in the same general direction, there being longitudinal spaces between the sides of said center leg and the adjacent sides of saidqouter legs, and means connecting portions of the outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with said portions maintained closer together than the other portions of said outer legs whereby said outer legs assume a concavo-convex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concavo-convax condition to bring the outer portions of the outer legs alternatively toward or away from the outer portion of said center leg.

3. A clip comprising a piece of flexible sheet material having a connection strip at one end, spaced-apart flat outer legs projecting in the same general direction from said connection strip and rigid therewith, a center leg projecting from said connection strip between the outer legs and in the same general direction, means connecting outer end portions of the outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with the outer ends of said legs maintained under stress substantially closer together than the inner ends of said outer legs, whereby said outer legs assume a concave-convex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concavo-convex condition to bring the outer portions of the outer legs alternatively into or out of contact with said center leg.

4. A clip comprising a piece of flexible sheet material having a connection strip at one end, spaced-apart flat outer legs projecting in the same general direction from said connection strip and rigid therewith, a center leg projecting from said connection strip between the outer legs and in the same general direction, a wire staple connecting outer end portions of the outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with the outer ends of said legs maintained under stress substantially closer together than the inner ends of said outer legs, whereby said outer legs assume a concavo-convex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concavo-convex condition to bring the outer portions of the outer legs alternatively into or out of contact with said center leg.

5. A clip comprising a piece of flexible sheet material having a connection strip at one end, spaced-apart flat outer legs projecting in the same general direction from said connection strip and rigid therewith, the outer edges of said legs near their outer ends having notches, a center leg projecting from said connection strip between the outer legs and in the same general direction, means engaged in said notches connecting outer end portions of the outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with the outer ends of said legs maintained under stress substantially closer together than the inner ends of said outer legs, whereby said outer legs assume a concaveconvex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concavo-convex condition to bring the outer portions of the outer legs alternatively into or out of contact with said center leg.

6. A one-piece clip comprising a piece of flexible sheet material having a connection strip at one end, spacedapart outer legs integral with said connection strip and projecting in the same general direction therefrom, a center leg integral with said connection strip and projecting from said connection strip between the outer legs and in the same general direction, and means connecting outer end portions of said outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with the outer ends of said legs maintained under stress closer together than the inner ends of said legs whereby said outer legs assume a concavo-convex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concavoconvex condition to bring outer portions of said outer legs alternatively toward or away from the outer portion of said center leg.

7. A one-piece clip comprising a stamping of sheet steel having a connection strip at one end, spaced-apart outer legs integral with said connection strip and projecting in the same general direction therefrom, a center leg integral with said connection strip and projecting from said connection strip between the outer legs and in the same general direction, and means connecting outer end portions of said outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with the outer ends of said legs maintained under stress closer together than the inner ends of said legs whereby said outer legs assume a concavo-convex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concavo- I convex condition to bring outer portions of said outer legs alternatively toward or away from the outer portion of said center leg.

8. An ornamental clip comprising a piece of flexible sheet material having a connection strip at one end, spaced-apart flat outer legs projecting in the same general direction from said connecting strip and rigid therewith, a center leg projecting from said connection strip between the outer legs and in the same general direction, means connecting portions of the outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with said portions maintained closer together than the other portions of said outer legs whereby said outer legs assume a concavo-convex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concavo-convex coridition to bring the outer portions of the outer legs alternatively toward or away from the outer portion of said center leg, and an ornamental plate secured to said center leg.

9. A clip comprising a piece of flexible sheet material having a connection strip at one end, spaced-apart flat outer legs projecting in the same general direction from said connection strip and rigid therewith, a center leg projecting from said connection strip between the outer legs and in the same general direction, and a cap connecting outer end portions of the outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with the outer ends of said legs maintained under stress substantially closer together than the inner ends of said outer legs, whereby said outer legs assume a concavo-convex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concavo-convex condition to bring the outer portions of the outer legs alternatively into or out of contact with said center leg.

10. A clip comprising a piece of flexible sheet material having a connection strip at each end, spaced-apart flat outer legs joining said connecting strips and rigid therewith, a center leg projecting from one of said connection strips between the outer legs and in the same general direction, and means connecting intermediate portions of the outer legs together in laterally stressed condition with said portions maintained closer together than the other portions of said outer legs whereby said outer legs assume a concavo-convex condition which may be snapped to a reverse concavo-convex condition to bring the outer portions of the outer legs alternatively toward or away from the outer portion of said center leg.

11. A method of manufacturing a clip having a snap action comprising forming from a flat sheet of material an end connection strip with three generally parallel legs projecting in the same direction from the strip, two of which are outer legs, drawing portions of said outer legs laterally together out of normal position to cause said outer legs to assume a deformed concavo-convex condition, and locking said legs in said deformed condition.

12. A method of manufacturing a clip having a snap action comprising stamping from a flat sheet of steel an end connection strip with three generally parallel legs projecting in the same direction from the strip, two of which are outer legs, drawing portions of said outer legs laterally together out of normal position to cause said outer legs to assume a deformed concavo-convex condition, and locking said legs in said deformed condition.

13. A method of manufacturing a clip having a snap action comprising stamping from a flat sheet of material an end connection strip with three generally parallel legs projecting in the same direction from the strip, two of which are outer legs, drawing outer end portions of said outer legs laterally together out of normal position to cause said outer legs to assume a deformed coucavo-convex condition, and locking said legs in said deformed condition.

14. A method of manufacturing a clip having a snap action comprising stamping spaced end strips from a flat sheet of material with two generally parallel outer legs connecting the same and with a central leg between said outer legs and connected to one end strip only, drawing intermediate portions of said outer legs laterally together out of normal position to cause said outer legs to assume a deformed concave-convex condition, and locking said legs in said deformed condition.

No references cited. 

